Our Young Gun profile takes a look at some of the young talent across the advertising, adtech, marketing and media sector in Australia. It aims to shed light on the varying roles, people and companies across the buzzing industry.
Today we speak to Ikon SEO director Matt Smiles.
Time in current role/time at the company:
Three months in current role, two years and seven months at Ikon in total.
How long have you been in the industry?
Five years and eight months. I don’t even want to think about how many coffees I’ve had in that time.
How did you get here? Was this always the plan?
I actually have a degree in Science (Marine Biology), and at the time I didn’t even know SEO existed. I was struggling to find jobs in Science, and at the right time someone introduced me to SEO and I’ve never looked back!
Who guides you day to day?
That’d have to be Jules Ward. She deals with my “I need to talk at you for a minute to understand what I’m trying to say” moments on a daily basis, and pushes me harder and harder to improve.
What’s the best thing about the industry you work in?
The range of opportunities, problems and issues you can face on a day-to-day basis is incredible.
And the biggest challenge?
This isn’t just specific to SEO… but hiring, training and retaining great team members.
Whose job have you set your sights on in the future?
I’m yet to find this job yet, watch this space.
Where do you turn for inspiration?
Music, it helps me get through everything.
My favourite advert is:
Not really an advert, but Lings Cars. It should be an inspiration for anyone in the SEO world. Have a look, you’re welcome.
Tell us one thing people at work don’t know about you?
I used to play in high school jazz band. I was so popular.
In five years' time I'll be:
In the job that I’ve set my sights on.
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